At Value Chain Annual Lecture, FG Highlights Key Reforms in Energy Sector 

Idris, Ado Bayero, Vitalis Obi list gains, seek way forward 

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja 

The federal government yesterday highlighted some key reforms in the oil and gas sector under the Bola Tinubu administration, stressing that Nigeria’s economic revival depends heavily on a stable, modern, and efficient energy sector.

Speaking in Abuja at the 8th ValuChain Annual Lecture Series themed: “Growth in Energy Sector: Nexus Between Economic Development, Social Impact, and Public Perception”, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, noted that Tinubu recognises that meaningful development must balance economic reforms, social outcomes, and public trust.

According to him, the President’s agenda places energy at the centre of sustainable growth, industrialisation, investment attraction, job creation, and long-term national competitiveness. 

Represented by the Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr Mohammed Bulama, the minister noted that the Tinubu government was  taking decisive steps to reposition the sector, steps he said reflect courage and long-term planning.

One of these reforms, which he said is already shaping the national trajectory, is the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative,  wherein the government is pushing for gas expansion and penetration for transportation.

“The administration’s push for CNG is part of a broader strategy for the evolution of a sustainable and affordable energy mix ecosystem that provides for cleaner fuel affordability, that provides for cleaner fuel options, and a plan to actively situate and support Nigerian citizens and businesses.

“ This is not just an energy policy, it is an economic and social intervention that directly affects transport, manufacturing, and household budgets. Through the Electricity Act and enhanced collaboration with states, the government is unlocking new opportunities for private investment of green solutions and improved service delivery. 

“The goal is simple: Reliable power for homes, industries, and economic growth. Three, by strengthening regulatory clarity, deepening local content, and encouraging innovation, the Tinubu administration is reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a top destination for energy investments across Africa.  These reforms are bold, sometimes challenging, but essential for the stability and prosperity of our nation,” he argued.

A key lesson from global development, the minister said, is that reforms succeed only when citizens understand them and trust the intention behind them, explaining that public perception is therefore not an afterthought, but an integral part of nation building. 

Also speaking, the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, commended the current administration for embarking on a variety of reforms across both oil and gas and power sectors, pointing out that Nigeria is beginning to witness tangible results.

“Improvements in crude oil production, the accelerated adoption of CNG-powered vehicles, better engagement with host communities, and a more structured push towards energy diversification and efficiency. These are positive signals and deserve recognition. 

“For the sector to deliver on its promise, the legislative and executive arms of government must continue to collaborate seamlessly, particularly in stabilising the national grid and improving electricity supply for households and industries alike. Equally critical is the urgent need to fast-track the rehabilitation and full resumption of operations in our four major refineries. Nigerians expect and deserve energy security, affordability, and reliability.

“Furthermore, restoring investor confidence must remain a priority. This can only be achieved through strict adherence to extant laws, predictable regulatory frameworks, and transparent operation environment. The benefits of such clarity will reflect not only in the increased investments but also in long-term economic stability for the country,” he emphasised.

He lauded Tinubu for sustaining the momentum behind the Ajaokuta Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project, which he said is now over 80 per cent completion, describing it as a true game-changer. 

Its successful completion, he said, will open new corridors of opportunity, attracting cottage industries, boosting agricultural productivity through the establishment of fertiliser plants, expanding industrial clusters, and providing affordable energy to millions of households across northern Nigeria.

Bayero, who’s Chairman of the Editorial Advisory Council of ValueChain Magazine, congratulated the board and management of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), which he said is being steered by a group of seasoned technocrats who understand the industry deeply. 

In his intervention, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Dr.  Vitalis Obi, said that energy remains the lifeblood of industrialisation, the backbone of economic productivity, the driver of jobs, and a critical lever for social stability and national security. 

Stressing that no nation on earth has achieved sustainable prosperity without first resolving its energy question, he explained that it is no coincidence that countries with stable energy systems also have stronger currencies, lower unemployment, and more inclusive economic opportunities. 

“Nigeria at present holds over 37 billion barrels of crude oil reserves and over 200 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, one of the largest in Africa. When properly harnessed, these resources should be a foundation for national transformation rather than a source of conflict and disappointment,” he stressed.

Earlier in his address, the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Valuechain Magazine, Musa Bashir Usman, noted that globally, the energy landscape is shifting technologically, economically, socially, and politically. 

As such, he stated that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) is redefining governance and operations, the global energy transition is challenging traditional models, and the urgency to maximise resources sustainably for the benefit of all Nigerians has never been clearer.

“Let us challenge our needed paradigms, forge new alliances, and envision a future where Nigeria and Africa can leverage their energy endowments for social equity, inclusive socio-economic development, and national transformation,” he said.